Carolers. Unfortunately, during the economic downturn in 2008, the group was discontinued. With over 20 years of experience performing, Courtney decided to restart the program without the production company, and the“ Holiday Harmonies” group was established that same year.
“ That first year, we didn’ t even have enough finances for costumes,” she says.“ But people really liked us, so we continued. Finally, we were able to get some inexpensive costumes. And then, eventually, we were able to upgrade to more-elaborate Charles Dickens-era costumes, made by a very talented friend of mine, Carol Erb.”
The group was in demand to perform at shopping malls, private parties, corporate events, senior living communities, Macy’ s, and one very memorable Steelers Christmas party at Heinz Field( now Acrisure Stadium).
Along the way, they were asked to perform in the 2015 CBS Films comedy“ Love the Coopers.” Starring Diane Keaton and John Goodman, it was filmed at several locations in Pittsburgh. The Holiday Harmonies were tapped to play strolling carolers in Dickensian costumes in a supermarket. In the movie, Keaton and Goodman are having an argument in the store when suddenly confronted by the wholesomeness of the Holiday Harmonies. The 20-second scene took 12 hours to film!
Courtney reminisces about the day,“ I remember when we did our bit, and Diane Keaton looked at me and gave me a thumb’ s up and a wink, as if to say we had her approval. That was a special moment I’ ll always remember.” You can view the scene at youtube. com / watch? v = PMio-VJw0Kk.
The holiday season of 2020 was a heartbreaking time, with family members forbidden from spending time with their elderly relatives.“ Some area families hired us to go sing on the porch of their elderly parents for an hour, as a gift to lift their spirits,” Courtney says. She remembers one elderly gentleman in his 90s who sat across the room from the front door. When the group began to sing, he suddenly grabbed his walker and made the trek across the room to be closer. He then began to sing the entire bass line part to the song they were performing. His singing brought a tear to the eyes of everyone present.
Another family hired the group to sing for their aging parents, and when the carolers started to perform, the children and
grandchildren began to arrive and sat in their cars listening in the driveway as a way to share the day with their family members.
This time of year, the group will perform at about one event per day and will be“ crazy busy” until New Year’ s Day. Despite the hectic rush of the season, Courtney and the other singers love what they do, and the reaction people have to it.
“ Many times, when we’ re performing at a shopping center, some people will linger for a while as we perform‘ Silent Night.’ They get very teary-eyed. To be able to transport them back to whatever Christmas they are remembering is a wonderful experience.”
You can follow the group on Facebook at facebook. com / PghCarolers.
Courtney also has a production company that offers princess and superhero visits for children, based on their individual preferences. You can learn more about it at pittsburghprincess. com. n
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